Conflicting reports on Wizards' intentions to trade Nene

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Nene's future with the Washington Wizards might be in question.

In light of the Wizards' pursuit of David West, they're hoping to move the contract of their incumbent starting power forward, Marc Stein of ESPN reports.

The Wizards are going aggressively after West, Stein reported Friday, although the San Antonio Spurs still remain in the hunt. Making a move sooner than later is a wise move for Washington, as the Spurs are currently in a holding pattern as they await the decision of LaMarcus Aldridge.

But Marc Spears of Yahoo Sports refutes Stein's report, stating plainly that sources say the Wizards are not actively shopping Nene.

Washington reportedly hopes to use the mid-level exception on West, so moving Nene's contract isn't necessary, but West would presumably take the starting job, so a move is practically unavoidable.

Nene is owed $13 million next season. Adding West without moving Nene would push the team near the projected luxury-tax line of $81 million.

However, finding a suitor might be difficult. Nene has declined significantly over the past two seasons, losing his starting gig on occasion as his skill set diminished. He averaged only 11 points and 5.1 rebounds in 25.3 minutes per game last season and failed to play over 70 games for the fifth consecutive season.

He remains an effective defender, but his lack of range has led to spacing issues alongside center Marcin Gortat.

Still, Nene would be an upgrade for most teams. He's pricey, but plenty of teams have cap space and Nene could make for a decent consolation prize for teams that strike out on marquee free agents.